Scrapbook Die Cuts

About Die Cuts

In the scrapbooking world, a die cut is a piece of paper that has been cut into a particular design using a special cutting tool. Letters, short phrases, simple geometric shapes, and flowers are popular choices for die cuts. Seasonally-themed items such as sand castles, pumpkins, snowflakes, and Christmas trees are also quite common.

You can purchase die cuts wherever scrapbook supplies are sold. Scrapbooking stores often allow customers to buy individual die cuts, while chain craft stores such as Hobby Lobby typically sell packages of coordinating die cuts.

Making Your Own Die Cuts

If you love scrapbook die cuts, you may want to consider investing in your own die cut machine. A scrapbooker with access to a die cut machine can quickly and easily cut designs to match almost any type of layout. A die cut machine also lets you make die cuts from chipboard, shrink plastic, foam, metal, fabric, or cork to create a variety of unique looks in your album.

Purchasing a die cut machine can require a substantial investment, so you’ll want to take the time to research available products before making a final decision. Although there are many different types of die cut machines, the following options seem to be the most popular:

• Cricut: The Cricut is a die cut machine that resembles a small computer printer. You use the keyboard to design your die cut and the machine cuts the paper to your specifications. Since many different font choices are available and you don’t have to cut each letter individually, this is a great option for scrapbookers who like to use die cut titles on their layouts.
• Sizzix Sidekick: The Sizzix Sidekick requires you to place the die and paper in between two clear cutting mats before using the rotating handle to make the cut. The cutting mat needs to be replaced periodically.
• QuickKutz Squeeze The QuickKutz Squeeze is a handheld die cut tool that uses magnets to hold individual dies in place. You simply squeeze the handles together to make your cuts. It’s lightweight and very portable, but the resulting die cuts are somewhat small when compared to other options.

Many beginning scrapbookers often wonder if there is a difference between die cut machines and scrapbook paper punches. While a die cut machine allows you to create many different designs, a scrapbook paper punch will only make one particular shape. The shapes created by paper punches are also typically much smaller than a die cut. However, paper punches can provide an affordable die cut alternative for the casual scrapbooker.

Embellishing Die Cuts

There are a number of techniques you can use to turn ordinary die cuts into one-of-a-kind accents for your scrapbook pages. For example:

• Use chalk to add shading to your scrapbook die cuts.
• Sew on your die cut or use rub-on stitches to give the shape a homemade feel.
• Add fine glitter to a simple die cut for a touch of sparkle.
• Look for places to add buttons, ribbon, and other coordinating embellishments to your die cuts. For example, trying adding a ribbon bow to a die cut wedding dress to create a memorable bridal layout.
• Coat a die cut in embossing ink and UTEE to create a glistening dimensional accent.
• Use foam adhesive pop dots and die cuts to design your own paper piecing pattern.

Additional Information

To learn more about using scrapbook die cuts in your albums, check out the following helpful links:

• Die Cuts: A Fresh Perspective
• Creating Dynamic Die Cuts
• Die Cut Machine Product Reviews